WellesleyWeston Magazine

SPRING 2014

Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.

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Page 142 of 211

those who demonstrated these qualities dur-
ing the session. When BOKS is over, the kids
head to their classrooms with rosy cheeks
and smiles on their faces, ready to learn.
"What you can't see happening is the pro-
found transformation occurring inside the
brain," explains Cavallerano. "Exercise engages
the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is
responsible for high-level cognitive functions
including self-knowledge and memory. This
neural fitness not only preps the mind post-
BOKS but also supports the growth of BDNF
(brain-derived neurotrophic factor). As Dr.
Ratey likes to point out, "BDNF is Miracle-
Gro for the brain."
Cavallerano also uses BOKS as an oppor-
tunity to teach kids about empathy and
teamwork. "It takes a lot of proactive steps to
prevent bullying and build resilient kids.
BOKS is about mind, body, and spirit. We
teach kids to be strong and healthy so they're
better able to take care of themselves and
those around them." At one BOKS session, a
custodian was carrying two large tables out-
side by himself. Without being asked, a group
of BOKS kids spontaneously ran over to help
him carry them. "That's the spirit of BOKS at
work," Cavallerano adds.
Hunnewell's Physical Education teacher
Toni Duval partnered with Cavallerano to
lead the pilot last year. She is thrilled with the
program. "BOKS helps supplement what we
do in PE class. Our students only have PE
once a week for 45 minutes or twice for 30
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